"And pray on behalf that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador, in chains; that in proclaiming I may speak boldly as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:19-20
For those of us who have chosen to become bond-servants of Christ we must realize we are to become mouthpieces, or ambassadors for God. We are to represent Him in all we say and do. Throughout history being a bond-servant comes at great cost as we are no longer free to do as we will, but we are to be totally committed to fulfilling the will of God for our lives. May we encourage each other as we look to the Bible for truth. Yes, the cost is great, but the reward is much greater! Our suffering on this earth is temporal, but our rewards are eternal.
"For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but the things that are unseen for the things that are seen are temporal; but the things unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Now is not a time for us to allow the darkness to silence the Light. We must pray as the servants of Christ before us to proclaim the Words of LIfe with boldness as Paul did in Ephesians. As we look at Acts 4:29 we read Peter’s prayer:
"And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that your bond-servant may speak Your Word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant, Jesus."
Let us not lose our focus, or be distracted away from our calling and purpose in this life. We must live for our audience of One and die to seeking the approval of man over the approval of God. We must have only one Master. We must love Him above all else. If we live this we will receive an authority and confidence that come from abiding in His Word and Presence. Acts 4:13 proclaims:
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
Oh, that this would be said of Christ’s disciples today! Isn’t it interesting that we could possibly be so arrogant as to think education and training from religious leaders would qualify us to better serve God, the Father, than His only Son Jesus? Religion still believes that today. But we must remember that those same religious leaders in coercion with corrupt government crucified the Son of God. Peter and John weren’t recognized for what education and man’s training camps offered; but they had a confidence and authority that can only come from abiding in relationship with Christ Himself through the Holy Spirit. Why do we allow any relationship to take precedence over our relationship with Christ? It encompasses everything about our lives! Let us turn from our busyness and distractions and place our focus where it belongs.
"He must have first place in ALL things." Colossians 1:18
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order times of refreshing may come from the Presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19
Sandwiched where I belong… in His Presence. (Linville Gorge Wilderness, NC)
